Human Sciences Research Council
Pretoria, Monday, 18 March 2024 –Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a significant public health problem in the African region. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 2.5 million people fell ill with TB in this region in 2022, and around 400 000 people died of the disease in the same year.
The relationship between TB and HIV poses another major challenge on the continent. In 2022, approximately 20% of new TB cases were reported among people living with HIV and AIDS, reflecting the heavy burden of HIV in the region. However, TB can be cured if those with TB are identified, start and adhere to their treatment.
To continue this discussion and to further probe ways to end TB, the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) will host the World TB Day seminar in collaboration with the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) and the Aurum Institute.
The seminar will take place on Tuesday, 19 March 2024 to create awareness around TB in the week leading up to the main World TB Day event organised by SANAC and the National Department of Health (NDoH) on Sunday 24 March 2024.
At the seminar, the HSRC will focus on research undertaken via national HIV surveys, highlighting the impact of addressing HIV on TB in South Africa and the general public’s knowledge about TB.
The Aurum Institute will focus on efforts to scale up and optimise the delivery of TB-preventive treatment (TPT) in high-risk groups.
SANAC will focus on the attainment of the national HIV and TB targets as set out in the National Strategic Plan, detailing the country’s progress as we move closer to Agenda 2030.
Lastly, the NDoH will discuss emerging priorities in the National TB Programme, providing key insights into its implementation in South Africa.
The official theme for this year’s World TB Day commemoration is, “Yes! You and I Can End TB” – it aims to encourage individual action to contribute to the national effort against TB. It also emphasises the importance of being accountable as an individual, and as part of a collective to end TB.
The seminar will provide a platform for the country to reflect on emerging priorities for TB management and will also provide links to various toolkits that organisations can use to boost TB awareness.
World TB Day is observed on 24 March each year, to build public awareness about the global epidemic of tuberculosis and efforts to eliminate the disease.
Details of the event:
Date: 19 March 2024
Time: 10h00 – 12h30
Link: https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJEucumrpzsrEtOCLa9QxMZ0LbM74SmJadnU
For media enquiries:
| Dr Lucky Ditaunyane,Cell: 0832276074,Email: lditaunyane@hsrc.ac.za | Adziliwi NematandaniCell: 0827659191Email: anematandani@hsrc.ac.za | Malwande NtlangulaCell: 0694042935Email: mntlangula@hsrc.ac.za |
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Notes to the Editor
About the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
The HSRC was established in 1968 as South Africa’s statutory research agency and has grown to become the largest dedicated research institute in the social sciences and humanities on the African continent, doing cutting-edge public research in areas that are crucial to development.
Our mandate is to inform the effective formulation and monitoring of government policy; to evaluate policy implementation; to stimulate public debate through the effective dissemination of research-based data and fact-based research results; to foster research collaboration; and to help build research capacity and infrastructure for the human sciences.
The Council conducts large-scale, policy-relevant, social-scientific research for public sector users, non-governmental organisations and international development agencies. Research activities and structures are closely aligned with South Africa’s national development priorities.
About the South African National AIDS Council (SANAC)
The South African National AIDS Council (SANAC) is the highest national body established by cabinet to coordinate a multisectoral response to HIV, TB and STIs by bringing together government, civil society, business, development partners and other stakeholders to drive an enhanced collaborative response to the three epidemics. The Council is chaired by a sitting Deputy President and is co-chaired by the leader of the SANAC Civil Society Forum and the leader of the SANAC Private Sector Forum. More at www.sanac.org.za
About the Aurum Institute
The Aurum Institute is a proudly African organisation working to advance health, science and innovation to create a healthier world for future generations. We partner with governments, the private sector and civil society to design and deliver high-quality care and treatment to people in developing communities. https://www.auruminstitute.org/